McDonald’s to fund food programs

McDonald’s Corp. restaurants in the tristate area, including those in Westchester and Fairfield counties, announced the return of the McDonald’s New York Metro Nutrition Network, a community outreach initiative to provide grants to local organizations to focus on food programs.

McDonald’s is teaming up with Dasani, owned by the Coca-Cola Co., for the program. McDonald’s will be offering $25,000 worth of funding, while Dasani will offer $5,000.

“After seeing the response from organizations in need across the tristate last year, it’s become increasingly apparent how important it is that we do our part to support organizations that align with our commitment to nutrition awareness,” said Anthony Scari, president of the McDonald’s New York Tri-State Owner/Operators Association in a statement.

McDonald’s New York Metro Nutrition Network applications will be evaluated based on the expected impact of the proposed program on nutrition awareness in the community.

Grant recipients last year included Star Inc. in Fairfield and Hillside Food Outreach in Westchester.